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Why is my senior cat losing weight and struggling with joint pain?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 16 years and 1 month old | 7 lbs

I have a 16 year old indoor male cat who is recently showing the sighs of aging. In the past year, he has lost a significant amount of weight and seems to be experiencing discomfort in his joints (unstable/limp gate) We would appreciate any advice to make sure his needs are being met. Thank you.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on February 19th, 2017

Poor Tigger! I agree that it sounds like he's having some problems. Significant weight loss in older cats is usually due to an underlying medical problem such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism rather than just "old age", so I would definitely recommend taking him to the vet for an exam and blood work to see what is causing this - the problem is often very treatable once a diagnosis is made. His discomfort when walking could be due to his underlying illness, or he may have arthritis or other orthopedic issues. Your veterinarian can prescribe safe and effective pain medication for him to help with this problem as well.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 24th, 2017

    Poor Noodles! She could have been injured or attacked when she was outside, and it is concerning that she is falling when she tries to walk. As for the weight loss, that could be caused by diseases such as kidney failure, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or cancer among others. She should see a vet immediately for her limping and falling when walking. The limping is a sign of pain in cats, and this has to be examined and treated by a vet. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. The vet can prescribe her safe pain medications, as well as treating the causing of the limping. I would also recommend having a geriatric blood panel and urinalysis done to diagnose the cause of her weight loss so that can treated.

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 28th, 2017

    Weight loss, weakness, disorientation and confusion in older cats is definitely concerning. I recommend a blood and urine panel as soon as possible to investigate medical causes such as diabetes, thyroid disease or kidney and liver disease

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